How to: Answer common interview questions

‘Why did you leave your last job?’ ‘What are your weaknesses?’ ‘If you were a type of fruit, what type of fruit would you be, and why?’

Some questions are easier to answer than others. Without the right preparation, an unexpected question can make you stumble, and give your confidence a knock. As with any other stage of the interview process, preparation is the key.

Whilst you can’t predict exactly what you’ll be asked, the inclusion of certain interview questions is inevitable. And, with a bit of practice, and the confidence to go with it, there needn’t be anything to worry about.

To give you an idea of a few examples, here’s our list of difficult interview questions, and how to answer them:

Tell me about yourself...

A common opening question, partly because your interviewers want to know more about you, but mostly because they want to put you on the spot and see how you react. They’ve given you complete control here, and you should take full advantage of it. They have not, however, asked for your life story.

It’s important to keep your answer pertinent, and try not to go off topic too much. You’re here to interview for a particular position, and you shouldn’t lose sight of this. Remember: the interviewer is not just making small talk.

Right answer: Should be about a two or three minutes long and briefly cover your education, your interest in the field, work history and experience.

Wrong answer: ‘Well, where do I start? I was born in 1974. A precocious child...’

What are your weaknesses...?

The first part of this question is realising that you actually have some. Everyone has weaknesses or things that they can improve about themselves. And that is essentially what the interviewer is asking you to consider. Be honest with yourself here. It’ll save you a lot of time in the long run.

The best answers to this question take one of your weaknesses, and then gives practical examples of how you’re trying to address it. A good example of this type of answer would be:

‘I used to find it difficult to work on simultaneous projects, preferring to finish on one task before starting another. However, since taking a time management course recently, I’ve learnt how to manage my schedule more effectively, making it easier to multi-task when necessary’.

Why should you get this job?

This is unashamedly aimed at provoking a personal sales pitch. As there will probably be a number of other candidates having interviews, this is your chance to demonstrate why you want the job, and why you would be a perfect fit for the company.

Essentially, the company is hiring for a reason (a brief summary of which can usually be found in the job description). You need to position yourself as the person to do this.

Right answer: ‘From what we’ve discussed so far, you’re looking to X (or, ‘having a problem with X’). In the past I have demonstrated X, Y and Z (experience and your main strengths), which have really helped my previous employer’.

Wrong answer: ‘Because I am better than anyone else you have interviewed’, ‘Because if you don’t it would be the biggest mistake of your life’, ‘I really need the money’

What are your salary expectations?

When completing your preparations for the interview, always have this question in the back of your mind. Have a look at the average salary for someone in this industry, area, and who possesses similar skills to yourself, and you should get a basic idea.

Remember, this is only the first interview. You haven’t been offered the job. There’s no need at this stage to be too specific or to try and begin negotiations. Giving a broad salary range will usually be enough to move on, but be prepared to back it up if you need to.

However, whatever your previous experience, don’t be tempted to sell yourself short. If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at our average salary checker.

Right answer: A broad (but realistic) answer e.g. ‘I‘m looking for a starting salary somewhere between £25,000 and £30,000’.

Wrong answer: ‘How much do you think I’m worth?’, ‘Anything, I just want a job’, or any unrealistic salaries which are not in line with industry standards and best practice.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

The perennial job interview favourite. The interviewer wants you to display that you’ve thought about your future, your ambition to progress in the industry. They also want to verify that this isn’t just a stop gap position.

Although all of your answers should be tailored to the organisation and position you’ve applied for, this is especially the case with this question. If you’re going for an entry level position, for example, explain how you’d like your career to progress (e.g. ‘I’d like to progress to a Senior Software Engineer’ or ‘I see myself being a team leader...’).

If you’re going for a more senior position, explain how you’d be looking to move the company forward. Have a look at their business strategy or corporate objectives before the interview, and explain how you can help in achieving them.

Right answer: Be passionate about the industry.Fit your career goals around the organisation’s objectives, demonstrate ambition and exploit your strengths.

Wrong answer: ‘On the other side of this desk’, ‘Doing your job’, ‘Rich’, ‘On a beach somewhere far, far away’.

Do you have any questions?

Other potential questions could include:

Why are you leaving your current position/Why did you leave your previous position?

Right answer: Avoid the temptation to criticise your employer. Stay positive, but try not to lie. Always avoid saying that you’re simply looking for a new challenge if you can’t back it up, because the recruiter will dig deeper. If all else fails, explaining that there were no opportunities for career progression sounds a lot better.

Why is there a gap in your work history?

Right answer: Wherever possible, be honest. If it was for personal reasons, then say that. Otherwise, something along the lines of ‘taking a break whilst looking for a new career direction’ should be enough to move the interview along.

Why did you apply for this position?

Right answer: Very similar answer to why you want the job, but focus more heavily on why the position and company excite you, rather than why you should excite them. Demonstrate what you know about the company (and use what you’ve learnt from the job description to back it why you’re the right person to do the job).

Whatever your answers are, make sure that you’ve practiced them beforehand. Don’t be tempted to improvise or answer on the spur of the moment. It’ll never come out as well as you’d hoped. It doesn’t need to be scripted, but knowing why you want the job and what your strengths and weaknesses are should be a standard part of your preparation process and just as important as your pre-interview research.

It is also essential to consider that you’ll not just be judged on your CV. Getting across your personality is of equal importance. In other words, don’t just think about your answers, but think about what they say about you.

Ultimately, you need to be likeable and display the parts of your personality that will make you attractive to prospective employers (engaging, dedicated, hard working etc). Entering a competitive interview, with the right mindset can really set you apart.

Finally, to avoid any awkward silences, never assume that the hiring manager has a sense of humour... Just in case.